Research progress on biomarkers for embryonic development

Abstract

Screenings high-quality gametes and high developmental potential embryos are focus of assisted reproductive technology. In recent years, studies have found that the embryo culture medium contains proteins secreted by the embryo, free DNA fragments, cytokines and so on, and the nutrients needed for embryo development are obtained from the culture medium. Through using non-invasive methods, for example embryo metabonomics, proteomics, to analyze the composition of the embryo culture medium. These biomarkers are helpful for rapid and accurate screening of high-quality embryos with the most developmental potential. This paper summarizes the effects of amino acids, carbohydrates, cytokines and proteins on embryonic development.

Keywords

• embryo|culture medium|biomarker|amino acid|cytokine